What is Femininity
Oxford Dictionary Definition: Behaviour or qualities regarded as characteristic of a woman; feminine quality or characteristics; womanliness. Also: an instance of this.
Oxford Dictionary Definition of Feminism: The advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.
"The inclusion of all these women in modern art history textbooks shows the impact feminism has had on the field.”
Society views femininity as emotional charactaristics, behavoiral traits, and typically physical appearances are associated with women and girls. It is a construct that is heavily influenced
History
Future
Sources
How to talk to kids about gender equality and stereotypes:
What steps can we take forward to reduce gender norms within femininity?
- This project (educating in schools and while young)
- Media
- Workplace (providing information and increase of awareness)
What steps can we take forward to reduce gender norms within femininity?
- Learning these areas in school, workplace environments, and continuing to teach others
- Educating the youth
- Advocating for your fellow females
- Not being afraid to speak up and be true to yourself
- Always open to new ideas and hearing others voices
Sometimes people use their words to be mean to others, even on phones or computers. It can be really hard to know what to do when you see someone being treated unfairly. Here is a way to understand how we can all be kind helpers:
- **⏳The Time’s Up Movement: A group of people started a movement called "Time's Up" to say that it is time for everyone to be treated with kindness and fairness. **One famous lady named Oprah Winfrey, even said that a new day is starting where kids can grow up feeling safe.
- ❌Why Being Mean is Wrong: Sometimes kids are bullied because of how they look or what they believe. This can happen in person or in group chats on phones. Many stay quiet when they see this happens because they might be scared that the mean person will pick on them next.
- 📢It’s Okay to Speak Up: Many kids are afraid of being called a "tattletale" in a bad way. But staying quiet can make the mean behaviour to continue on.
- ✅How You Can Help: You don’t have to handle mean things all by yourself! If you see someone being bullied, you can tell a grown-up you trust, like a teacher, a coach, or your parents. They are there to listen and support you!
- 📈Leading by Example: We can help by being the kind of friend who calls out mean behaviour when we see it. When we all work together to stop being silent, we can make the world a better place for everyone.
🌱 Steps We Can Take to Reduce Gender Norms Within Femininity
💭 Change How We Think
- Stop assuming girls have to be “soft,” “quiet,” or “emotional.”
- Understand that femininity doesn’t look the same for everyone.
- Realize that liking makeup or dresses doesn’t make someone weak.
- Anyone can express themselves in whatever way makes them happy.
- Stop judging girls who don’t act “girly enough.”
🗣 In Schools
- Encourage all genders to join any class (shop, leadership, dance, sports).
- Call out comments like “that’s not ladylike.”
- Or any comments that push people down than lift them up, no matter the gender.
- Teach about gender as a spectrum, not just two strict roles.
- Have more discussions about how gender norms affect confidence and safety.
- Teach others with what you’ve learned!
📱 On Social Media
- If you’re old enough follow creators who show different types of femininity and gives many perspectives.
- Stop comparing yourself to unrealistic beauty standards.
- Being your true and unique self makes you perfect just the way you are.
- What you see online can be edited or fake.
👭 In Friend Groups
- Support friends who express themselves differently.
- Don’t shame girls for being “too much” or “too confident.”
- Normalize girls being loud, competitive, strong, or independent.
🧠 Personally
- Ask yourself “Am I doing this because I want to, or because it’s expected?”
- Have confidence in skills, hobbies, and yourself, not just looks.
- Let yourself be who you are!
- Understand what femininity means to you.
✨ Bigger Picture
Reducing gender norms within femininity is:
- Spreading awareness
- Making it safer
- Making it more flexible
- Letting people be who they are
- Support others
Lived Experiences
Malala Yousafzai